15. Ken's Six-Pack

I saw Ken and Barbie the other day.
Ken had a six-pack.
Barbie was fit too.

I was out for a walk in the woods.
And they were jogging toward me.

Ken didn’t wear a shirt.
It’s summer.
His six-pack was on full display.

A student of mine has been working on his six-pack for a year.
He got tired of being chubby, so a year ago he made a decision.
This summer he’s ready to show it off.

I see my student once a week.
I watched him transform.
Diet. Exercise.
He’s achieved his goal, and now looks like Ken.

His motivation was always to show off his six-pack by summer.
I wonder if that’s why Ken didn’t wear his shirt.

Would I want a six-pack?
Of course!
Would I want to work hard for a six-pack?
Nope.

Why not?
I don’t need one to be strong and healthy.

Being admired costs energy.
Energy to make money and buy something impressive.
Energy to exercise and build a six-pack.

But energy is finite and precious.
Is it worth spending it on admiration?

You know what else costs energy?
Hugs.
Kisses.
Their return on investment is hard to beat.

I see Ken again.
He smiles his perfect smile and winks at me.
Ken says nothing.
Almost as if he were made of plastic.